Texas Tidbits: Baptist Health Foundation assists agencies aiding Texas flood victims

The Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio is providing $75,000 to two nonprofit agencies to assist flood victims in rural areas of Texas. The foundation awarded $25,000 to Texas Baptist Men disaster relief. “The devastating floods in Central Texas were some of the worst we have seen in 40 years,” said Mickey Lenamon, TBM associate executive director. “We would not be able to help so many flood victims if it were not for this generous grant. It takes all of us working as a team to care for victims during a tragedy like this one.” The Salvation Army, Texas Division, also will receive $50,000 to provide emergency financial assistance to those who were injured or whose homes were damaged as a result of the flooding. “Assisting our Texas neighbors through these organizations is something our trustees felt was the right thing to do,” said Cody Knowlton, Baptist Health Foundation president and CEO. “We are pleased to support the hard work and dedication of these superb organizations as they help those in need.” Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio was established in 2004 from proceeds of the Baptist Health System sale to Vanguard Health Systems of Nashville, Tenn. Its purpose is to fund not-for-profit healthcare services and health education in Bexar County and surrounding counties. Since its incorporation, the foundation has awarded 700-plus grants totaling more than $48 million. 

CLC hires hunger and care ministries specialist. Ali HearonAli Hearon has joined Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission staff as hunger and care ministries specialist. She has professional and volunteer experience in congregational social work and international missions in Haiti, South Africa, Nicaragua and Eastern Europe. She is a May graduate of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University with a master’s degree in social work. She earned her undergraduate degree in social work at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Leadership Texas Baptists seeks emerging leaders. The Baptist General Convention of Texas is launching Leadership Texas Baptists, a nine-month experience to engage, equip and inform emerging leaders from churches across the state. Pastors, staff and lay leaders accepted into the program will gather once a month to hear from and dialogue with leaders of the BGCT and partner institutions including Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Dallas Baptist University and Buckner International. Course content for the program will include topics like leadership development and spiritual formation; critical issues for Texas Baptists in the 21st century; institutional collaboration; and the changing face of Texas. Applicants must be 21 years or older, an active member of a BGCT-affiliated church and able to attend eight of the nine seminar sessions. Tuition is $475, which includes room and board at a kickoff retreat, course materials, monthly training classes, lunches and materials at each session. Students are responsible for travel expenses. The application deadline is July 31, and the first cohort meeting will be held in mid-September. For more information, click here.